Following the launch of our definitive resource to the finest eateries across New Zealand, we now introduce the people behind the places. Championing the owners, operators, and teams responsible for our exceptional hospitality industry, we’ve hand-picked seven industry insiders to divulge their dining favourites, from celebrated classics to under-the-radar gems. 

Dining Diaries — Anna Di Candia

Restaurant Manager at Bivacco

Originally from Italy, Anna Di Candia has spent the past eight years honing her craft in Auckland’s hospitality scene. As Restaurant Manager at Bivacco, she brings an innate understanding of what makes a dining experience memorable — equal parts atmosphere, attentiveness, and genuine warmth. Her approach to hospitality is effortless yet precise, shaped by the Italian belief that great service is as integral to a meal as the food itself. We caught up with her to discover the places that inspire her most.

Ask her where she eats when she’s off-duty, and Di Candia’s go-to is, unsurprisingly, one of the city’s most lauded Italian eateries, “Pici is my favourite spot,” she says. “Great venue, great food, such a nice ambience. It’s classic Italian; simple, but done very well.”

When it comes to the best dish in the city, she looks to a local institution, “The trevally crudo at Al Brown’s Depot is incredible — the condiments are so light, they let the fish shine.” And for something a little more casual and comforting, she heads out of town. “I love the food at Morepork BBQ in Kumeū. It’s not too fussy, just really good. The slow-cooked brisket is amazing, so tender, and the cornbread is the best.”

Special occasions call for something refined, and Onslow is always a winner. “The crayfish éclair is beautiful, and the lamb is a favourite of mine — you can’t go wrong with it. Josh Emett is an incredible operator.”

When friends visit from out of town, Di Candia finds it hard to deviate from Ebisu. “It’s one of my favourite restaurants in the city,” she says. “The ebi mayo roll has been on the menu forever and it’s still so good, and the duck breast is delicious. The whole place just feels special.” Meanwhile, for a good time, she’ll often make for Queens Rooftop. “I love going there for a quick drink or a bite with friends. The music, the view, the energy; it makes you feel like you’re somewhere else.”

Di Candia also highlights two more Italian gems that have become go-tos, “Michael at Baduzzi is amazing, as is Federico the head chef, and the food is just so authentic — fresh, simple, and delicious.” “The owner at Napoli Contemporanea in Parnell is also incredible; so passionate about produce and detail. I never order, he always looks after us, and it’s always perfect.”

Her ideal ‘dine-around’ day in Auckland reflects both her experience and her love of variety. “Breakfast at Saint Heliers Bistro — they do one of the best eggs benedict I’ve ever had. Lunch at Hello Beasty, always, snacks at Jacuzzi in Ponsonby, and then a beautiful dinner at Gilt.” Gilt, in fact, is another spot Di Candia turns to time and time again, and she names it as the city’s most consistent eatery. “The service is always good, the food is always right, and Josh puts so much passion into what he does. You can really feel it.”

Outside of Auckland, she names Alpino in Cambridge as a favourite. “It’s Italian-owned, the food is beautiful, the atmosphere is great, I’d always recommend it to anyone visiting.”

For Di Candia, what makes a restaurant truly great isn’t just what’s on the plate, but the feeling it leaves behind. The details, the energy, the human touch, all of which, she says, are what make a dining experience unforgettable.

Anna’s Recommendations

Pici

Depot

Ebisu

Queens Rooftop

Onslow

Baduzzi

Hello Beasty

Gilt Brasserie

Alpino

Napoli Contemporanea

St Heliers Bistro